 |
| If you have other questions,
please feel free to contact us. We
will try to answer your pen questions the best we can. |
|
|
 |
- Throughout our catalog, you will
see different nib sizes for various fountain pens. The most important
factor in determining nib size is the style of your handwriting.
- If your handwriting is small
and and tight, we recommend a fine or extra fine. If your handwriting
is large and fast or you're looking for a signature pen, we recommend
a broad point medium nibs fall in between and are most common.
- For gift giving purposes, we
generally recommend a fine nib for ladies and medium nib for men.
|
|
| |
 |
 |
- Both a built-in piston and
converter work on the same principle. A converter is removable
to replace with a cartridge while the built-in pistons are
permanently affixed in the pen. Both systems have end knobs
which rotate.
- Rotate end knob counterclockwise
until it stops. Do not force anymore after stop.
- Dip nib of fountain pen
into ink. Make sure entire nib is submerged into ink for
maximum fill.
- While nib is still in ink,
turn end knob clockwise back into original position.
- Place a few drops back into
bottle by turning end knob slightly counter clockwise. Put
end knob back into original position afterwards. Wipe off
excess ink.
|
|
| |
 |
- Do not press hard when you write.
The beauty and advantage of a fountain pen is that it flows with
the touch of paper. Pressing hard may result in ink flow problems.
- Always use fresh ink. If the bottle
has been open for a year, it should be replaced.
- We recommend a cleaning every
three months, every time you change ink colors, or when not in
use for extended periods of time. Simply flush the nib with cold
water as if you were filling it with ink.
- Never wash a fountain pen in hot
water or alcohol, Use cold water only. If the pen is dirty, you
may add a small amount of household ammonia to water in a 1:3
ratio.
- Do not lend your fountain pen
to others. A nib adjusts to your handwriting and yours only.
|
| |
 |
- Oblique nibs have
a slanted point as opposed to a rounded point for normal nibs.
Oblique nibs are ideal for people who write at severe angles or
people who simply want to put a flare into their writing. Many
times, left handed people are more successful with oblique nibs.
If you don't have a severe angle but want a flare, a rotation
of the pen or change in handwriting position is likely required.
- Italic nibs have flat nibs that
create a calligraphic effect. They create a thick line on the
downward stroke and a thin line on the horizontal stroke. It requires
that you hold the pen properly so that the nib is flush with the
paper. Generally, writing is a little slower with italic nibs.
|
|
| |
 |
- A roller pen uses
liquid ink whereas a ball pen uses a thicker paste ink. A roller
is smoother and has a fluid, wet feel. A ball pen lasts longer
and has a more controlled feel.
- Most roller pens must have caps
to prevent the ink from drying out. Most ball pens do not have
caps, but use twist or push mechanisms. Make sure the cap is on
for a roller when not in use.
|
| |
 |
- If a fountain
pen skips, the first step should be to give the pen a cleaning.
Ink, whether dried up or in use, may leave residue which can clog
the feed channels. A solution of 1/3 ammonia and 2/3 cold water
can be used for cleaning.
- Some chemically coated papers
are not suited for use with a fountain pen resulting in skipping.
After cleaning, try another paper surface.
- Skipping can also happen if the
writer pressed too hard on the nib. This results in the nib splitting
too much and creating a gap which ink cannot flow through. Try
decreasing the pressure.
- If there is constantly ink on
the grip section after you open the pen, check the inside of the
cap. A fountain pen is an open end system, so vigorous shaking
may cause ink to spill into the cap and transfer it to the grip
section. Clean the inside of the cap with a cotton swab and try
to keep the fountain pen in a n upright position when traveling.
- For each writing instrument we
carry, the manufacturer guarantees their product. On our pen
repair directory page, the service center for most manufacturers
are listed.
|
| |
 |
| Nib |
The point of the
fountain pen which does the actual writing, usually made of
metal or solid gold. |
| Feed |
The unit which delivers ink
from the reservoir to the nib. The feed sits underneath the
nib. |
| Built-in piston |
Device which is installed into
a fountain pen to draw ink, Fountain pens with built-in pistons
do not take cartridges. |
| Converter |
Removable device which allows
a fountain pen to draw ink. Fountain pens using converters can
also take cartridges but fountain pens that take cartridges
do NOT necessarily take converters. |
| Clip |
Metal piece on the cap of a
pen which fastens to a pocket. |
|
| |